How many would REALLY sacrifice themselves for freedom?

Question

I've read many people say we must do everything we can to keep our country free. But when I ask them why haven't they joined the military to fight in Iraq they just look at me like I'd asked something way out of line. People talk about sacrifice but the only people I see sacrificing anything are the 3 million men and women already in the service. And since they are having trouble meeting recruiting goals I'd say that all these "loyal" Americans are content to let those already serving do the sacrificing. Just curious. (FYI...I'm a Viet Nam war veteran....I did my duty...1968-1972)

Answer 1

If I thought I could undo the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, the Dept of Homeland Security, the Bush Administration's spying on citizens and its violation of the separation between church and state...among many other things, I would fight for it.
Don't expect to see any kind of sacrifice from any of the fascist neocons who got us into this quagmire in Iraq. They have other priorities. Also a Vietnam Vet, 69-72. I wonder what the ones in Iraq are fighting for in the first place. The reason keeps changing.

Answer 2

Well I tried to join the military twice, but they decided not to take me because I had a SUCCESSFUL surgery when I was a child, and they decided that they didn't want to be responsible if the condition every returned. Which no doctor has ever been willing to say it's possible, except the one at the local MEPS.

Second of all, I don't really believe we're fighting for our freedom right now. Since this whole thing started we have lost certain freedoms, and our country is becoming more and more strict in its policies. Many people say "it's for the best to ensure our security, " and "it doesn't effect my life." Well what happens when it does affect your life? Then it's too late, we're a country that is run by a militant government who spends millions to spy on its own citizens, can search and seize them and their property without reasonable cause, and has the largest population of detained or imprisoned people out of any country in the history of the world! Over 50% of those detained are convicted of non-violent crimes, some that are almost ridiculous! Where does it stop? I think you should have asked why our government is sacrificing our service men and women while eliminating our freedoms at the same time. I have friends over there, and believe me, they aren't willingly sacrificing themselves for this cause. If you still think we're fighting in Iraq to overcome terrorism, you've obviously forgotten that we succeeded in Afghanistan (what was the reason to continue and expand our campaign?), and that there has yet to be any weapons of mass destruction produced from Iraq. What are we doing there? We're paying for the Bush administration's f*ck ups, because it's such a mess there now, that we can't back out.

Answer 3

My own son is contemplating military service and would not be drafted since he is an only child. And I have great respect for military personnel...And I remember the Vietnam Conflict as a time when many in the military felt sold out by everyone including the government. I don't think joining the military can do anything to further our freedoms at this moment in time...it appears that freedom itself is being sacrificed by those saying we must attack our enemies

Answer 4

Yes, an interesting question... The 2000 Census lists the US population at about 281.4 million and the total US Military is 2.68 million. That means that LESS than ONE percent of the US population is serving in the US Military.

I will give "waivers" for anyone VOLUNTEERING at the USO and those employed by DOD or the Intelligence Community.

Sadly, the United States hasn't asked for or sought sacrifice from the average citizen: Bond Drives, Recycling, Reductions in Energy Consumption... Or a Congress that does it's JOB... such as an INCREASE in Hazard Pay.

Those of us who DO march in support of the troops or policies are beset by leftists (I live in California).

I am a Gulf War and Southern Watch veteran, serving from 1985-1999 in Naval Aviation

Answer 5

I would say everyone in the military today... Draft is over, man, they are there because they want to be. They are the first line, and choose to do what they are doing, unlike so many that had to choose between jail and the military, like in our day... Not everyone has what it takes for hand to hand, I am sure you understand. I did my duty, too, and do not believe any more now than I did then that what I was doing was worth the sacrifice... the point is, they are there regardless...Thanks for your sacrifice, you are a good man, and do not want you to think I am belittleing you.. BUT, with that being said, and with a little experiance with young people today, I am thankful the soldiers today are willingly doing what they feel is right, for them and our country, without having to be cooerced...

Answer 6

I served 6 years in the A/F. My boyfriend was in the Navy & served in Viet Nam. My son is in the Coast Guard not to mention all the other family members I have serving in the military over there. My best friends husband just got his foot blown off in Iraq. So I think your just talking to the wrong people.

Answer 7

Let me first say "Thank you." & Happy holidays to you & yours.
I volunteered for active duty in a time of global conflicts which were never outright declared wars, yet I carry scars, physical & mental of my service during these times of conflict, I knew quite a few good young men who gave all in service to the ideals of freedom and democracy. Years ago, I took an oath to defend the constitution and America from all enemies, foreign & domestic. That oath has never been rescinded by me or my president. If I were of the age to go again, I would gladly re-enlist in order to possibly save a young person from having to go place their life in danger. Sadly, the only thing I am considered worthy of at my age is actively supporting the young warriors who still step forth and voluntarily place their lives in harms way to defend what they still believe in, My place is at home making sure that they have something worth believing in when and if they are allowed to return home. Every time I see a young person wearing the uniform of a U.S. service, I become a proud father for a little while.
Have a good one.

Answer 8

I did my duty too. But I can't relate freedom with making Halliburton richer. Nam was a scam too, and we both know it. Someday, it may be required of all of us to fight for freedom right here on our soil. Nam or Iraq has nothing to do with our freedom.

Answer 9

I Have done that. US Army(RET) 21 years also RVN -
1967 - 1968 - 1971 Iron Triangle Dau Tieng, Tay Ninh
Chu Chi, Bear Cat, Nui Ba Din and Long Binh. 1st Sig Bde.

Answer 10

What does Iraq have to do with our freedom?